September, 2009

Our Secret Survey - The Fee Trap

Submitted by Michelle on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 17:06

The secret shop...

Top SecretLast week our office conducted a little secret survey of our 15 competitors to find out the average fee charged to manage residential property in the Launceston area. While we will always maintain that the fee is irrelevant given there are so many variables that effect the overall income and expenses, it was a very interesting project and we thought you might be interested in the results.

To good to be true...

Exposing Your Property on Google Base

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 17:25

GoogleGoogle is the largest online search provider in the world, now provides a real estate portal in Australia, which is set to become a must-have for landlords.

Buying Investment Property

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 16:57

The number of property renters in Australia is rising as homes become less affordable to buy. This is good news if you own an investment property because maintaining a good occupancy rate is crucial to your investment success.

During the property boom of the 1990s, investment properties were all about capital gains; properties often jumped in value whatever you bought. That’s no longer the case. Now that the boom has passed, investors need to be more selective about the properties they buy. Below are a few steps to consider during the process.

Free Ceiling Insulation - Don't miss out!

Submitted by Michelle on Thu, 09/17/2009 - 15:23

As you know, ceiling insulation is being provided FREE in the vast majority of cases, thanks to the Australian Government Economic Stimulus Package. Because the Government Rebates for Ceiling Insulation will finish when the funds are used up (first in, best dressed), we are providing this information so that you dont miss this opportunity.

Take the Risk out of Renting - Tip 1

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 09/16/2009 - 19:24

Regular Inspections

From rent defaulters to extensive property damage caused by tenants, owners - are often left surprised by the cost that tenant-related damage can represent.

That's why, regular property inspections are the most important part of a property managers role.

Launceston Property Sales Update

Submitted by Michelle on Sat, 09/12/2009 - 12:39

REAL Estate Institute of Tasmania figures for the June quarter show the state recorded its highest number of property sales for five years.

There were 1913 house sales for the June quarter, which was a 3.5 per cent increase on the previous quarter and a 34.2 per cent increase on the same quarter last year.

True Horror Tenancy Story - Launceston

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 13:35

A Tenant who smashed every window in his home, told police he couldn't remember what had made him angry.

The Supreme Court in Launceston heard that Victor Dasio Gbugare, 25, of the Launceston suburb of Invermay, smoked marijuana before embarking on his damaging rampage, which also saw him cut holes in a wall and the floor, on August 26 last year.

No Change to OCR

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 11:17

Tuesday marked the first day of Spring, but otherwise no change for borrowers, when the Reserve Bank decided to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 3 per cent for the fifth month in a row.

In a statement announcing the decision, Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens said that with higher dwelling activity and public demand, it now appears that investment may not be as weak over the year ahead as earlier expected.

"Housing credit has been solid and dwelling prices have risen over recent months", Governor Stevens said.